When it is used as a weapon by a playable character, a crystal is tossed upward and forward into the air. This crystal does not cause any damage itself, but when it hits the ground, large amber-like ice crystals sprout up, causing damage to any enemy that touches it. In Order of Ecclesia, some enemies will become frozen in place upon touching it, especially those weak to Ice or with low HP.

Although the Torpor spell deals out Ice damage, it does not act as an Ice glyph for use in a Glyph Union in Order of Ecclesia. It is not able to perform a special glyph union with any glyphs, including another Torpor, and will only perform the default union.

The term "torpor" means a state of decreased physiological activity in an animal, usually by a reduced body temperature and metabolic rate, which translates similarly to the state of suspended animation a character enters when trapped inside a Torpor spell's crystal.

Since vampires are immortal, in some lore variations when a vampire is defeated by improper manners (i.e.: not by plunging a stake through the heart, cutting the head or destroying the body), it enters torpor instead of dying.